ALBERTO VÉLEZ -
Flamenco Guitar Memories.

Author: OSCAR HERRERO

A few days before his death, the publisher ACORDES CONCERT run by Oscar Herrero put out a book called “Memoria de la Guitarra Flamenca”, a collection of transcriptions of the maestro Alberto Vélez, along with a CD containing his playing and actual voice in conversation..

Alberto Vélez with Antonio	with Juanito Valderrama

This contains eight of his works for Flamenco Guitar, written and fingered by Oscar Herrero. It includes documentation on the professional life of Alberto Vélez, who was an all-round guitarist, who stood out for his musical knowledge. He played with all the big names, Ramón Montoya, Niño Ricardo and Mario Escudero. He accompanied Vallejo, Cepero, Marchena, El Gloria, Fosforito, Tomás Pavón, Valderrama, Canalejas and others while they sang.

This is about that grand maestro with whom, to my great, good fortune, I shared many a stage at the very beginning of my artistic career,. We shared happy moments, and sad ones as well, throughout which he always set a wonderful example, both as an artist and a man. This is about our beloved and dear friend, Alberto Vélez.

Through the expression of my music, I would like to let Alberto know that all his teaching and advice were not in vain.

(REMARKS MADE BY MANOLO SANLÚCAR IN A CONCERT PERFORMANCE ON MARCH 22, 1996).

Format: A4 140 páginas . Español – English - Français

Examples: GENIL - (Granaína)

Audio examples (MP3) - Genil - Granaína

ALBERTO VÉLEZ’S BIOGRAPHY

Alberto Vélez has demonstrated a remarkable talent for the guitar his entire life. Born in 1921 in a small town (El Cerro de Andévalo) in the province of Huelva, Spain, he debuted as a professional guitarist in Sevilla, while yet a youth.

A guitarist of extensive skill and repertoire, Vélez's remarkable depth of musical knowledge is noteworthy. His was a regular presence in "Flamenco Opera" shows held in the major theaters and bullrings of the time. Throughout that prolific era of popular flamenco performances, he performed alongside other outstanding artists such as Ramón Montoya, Niño Ricardo and Mario Escudero. Vélez accompanied many important flamenco singers––Manuel Vallejo, José Cepero, Pepe Marchena, Tomás Pavón, El Gloria, Valderrama, Canalejas, Fosforito––as well as renowned flamenco dancers such as Antonio and Rosario.

He and his wife, Raquel Lucas, formed an artistic duo. Raquel was the lead dancer for Concha Piquer's troupe, as well as Estrellita Castro and Antoñita Moreno's companies. Vélez toured Europe and America several times. His travels also took him to Japan and South Africa as the guitarist for the popular singer Marisol. He performed in several of her movies along with Antonio and Rafael de Córdoba. He performed in movies with Pepe Marchena as well.

Vélez gave a solo performance in Albert Hall, London, after being chosen among many other notable performers of the season.

As a concert guitarist, he performed with "El Niño Ricardo", and Mario Escudero, with whom he made a recording in Paris. Vélez also recorded with Fosforito, Rafael Farina and Manolo "El Malagueño".

Vélez suffered an untimely injury on a right-hand finger. This eventually caused him to give up performing altogether, putting an end to a promising professional career. Many attractive offers to perform and record had to be turned down.

Vélez performed for many years at the "Las Brujas" flamenco tablao (club) in Madrid, where he and Manolo Sanlúcar developed a deep and long-lasting friendship.

In the latter part of his professional career, Vélez was appointed professor at the Royal School for Dramatic Arts and Dance of Madrid

Alberto Vélez with Mario Escudero